BPC's Cardinal Brown: Examining Immigration Detention Now Risks Bipartisan Deal

Washington, D.C.– The following is a statement from Theresa Cardinal Brown director of immigration and cross-border policy at the Bipartisan Policy Center, on the latest developments in the border security negotiations in Congress:

“These are the right questions being raised at the wrong time. Examining immigration enforcement and detention is important, but not more important than keeping the government open. Adding this issue to the mix now could fracture the trust needed to reach a bipartisan deal to avert another shutdown, which should be the most vital goal. The deal that can get done is the one we have been urging for months: a permanent solution for DREAMers and TPS holders in exchange for border security funding. Yes, immigration detention is important, but there will be other chances to push on that. There may not be a better opportunity to get permanent remedies for DREAMers and TPS holders.”

Theresa Cardinal Brown is available for comment.